Man Locked Up After Standoff in Sugar Notch

SUGAR NOTCH, Pa. -- Richard Copeland of Sugar Notch was arrested Monday morning after an hours-long standoff at his home on Main Street.

Police said they were called to his residence around 10:20 p.m. Sunday when neighbors heard an argument.

Sugar Notch Chief Jeremy Talanca said he arrived on scene and saw a flash and heard a bang. He said Copeland fired a shotgun at him.

"There's been a lot of different situations throughout my career. This has been probably the closest call I've had,” said Chief Talanca.

The chief called for backup and said Copeland and his girlfriend refused to come out until 4 a.m. when Copeland finally gave up.

During the standoff, Copeland's mother, who lives next door, left for her own safety.

Neighbors were told to leave, too.

"SWAT team came down, a lot of guys in the army suits, a lot of weapons they have,” said Randi Wolfe who lives off Main Street.

Police cuffed Copeland and his girlfriend but said she will not be charged unless she interferes with the investigation.

"I'm sure a lot of people in town, a lot of them, especially on the main street here have been here 20, 30 years, and they'll tell you the same thing. It's not something we've seen here or you see here ever,” said Debra Paolucci of Sugar Notch.

Sugar Notch police said they are familiar with Richard Copeland because they have been called to his home several times over the years.

He faces charges he endangered the police and people living in the area.